Between the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 vs. Sony MDR7506 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones, which one is the best?
Here it is ladies and gentlemen. Three highly popular headphones side-by-side facing off. While each pair has its standard ups and downs, they also have their own unique benefits.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones will determine which of these might be the best choice for you. After extensive research, personal experience, and reviews; We formulated an in-depth comparison between each one. May the battle commence!
But first…
What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Good?
- Sound Quality: How good the overall audio quality of music, phone calls, or video.
- Comfort: The ability to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, or ear pain.
- Build Quality: The overall durability and longevity. Able to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods of time.
- Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling: If any at all, how well the active noise cancelling or noise isolating abilities are.
- Battery Life: How long the battery life of the pair of headphones is at a full charge.
- Added Features: A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.
We compared and contrasted each of these factors for the V-MODA Crossfade M-100, Sony MDRV6, & Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Sound Quality
Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
The award-winning V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is one of the highest-rated DJ headphones on the market. They were carefully constructed for superior sound by 200 passionate audiophiles to create the most superior sounding headphones. The sound quality is stunning. The bass is fat but clean with a perfect blend of the mids and highs. Not to forget, the highs are much more extended with this pair. One of the methods to set apart the mids and highs from the bass is due to its 50 mm patented drivers. Believe me, it makes a significant and positive difference. Overall, I give the sound quality a solid 9.7.
Sony MDR7506
If you want the most accurate sounding flat headphones for the lowest price, this pair may be the one for you! It uses 40mm drivers for a full and clean sound. Regardless of how loud you blast the volume, they will not distort. The Sony MDR7506 was designed to play the natural sound without any added eq or sound manipulation. However, these headphones are incredibly accurate to the point in which a lower format of audio will be noticed. Likewise, a higher quality audio source will be noticed and sound better as well. The wide frequency response of 5 Hz – 30 kHz picks up every audible frequency in the human ears spectrum.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio-Technica’s 45mm drivers produce exceptional sound quality while wired. Unfortunately, in wireless Bluetooth mode, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT does not sound as good. However, in wireless mode, the quality of sound is still good. Many claim they are unable to tell the difference while audiophiles and musicians say there is a difference in sound. Overall, I give them a 9.4 for sound quality while wired.
Overall, the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 has the best sound quality.
Comfort
The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
In my opinion, the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is exceptionally comfortable with the added XL cushions. Unfortunately, they are sold separately for $20 but worth it. While I understand that everyone’s head is different, there are also multiple reviews of the comfortability of these headphones, as well. I have had issues with wearing 8 out of 10 headphones for extended periods of time. While most headphones either apply to much pressure to my ears and head, I have had zero issues with this pair after adding XL cushions.
Sony MDR7506
The wide and softly padded headband equally dispenses the weight. Thus, designed for maximum comfortability with extended periods of time. You will be very satisfied with the Sony MDR7506 overall comfort levels. The lightweight also helps reduce the chances of annoyance and itchiness.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones are relatively comfortable. However, in my experience, they become a bit uncomfortable after a few hours. Many others claim otherwise. It really just depends on personal preference and your head/ear type.
Overall, the Sony MDR7506 has the best comfort.
Build Quality
What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
These headphones have a fantastic build quality. The only downside to its build is the clips that attach the earcups and headband are made out of plastic. However, nobody tends to have any issues with them down the road. Once held in your hand, you’ll instantly know that these headphones were built to last. The materials used are sturdy and robust. Overall, I give them an 8.5 out of 10 for build quality.
Sony MDR7506
Especially for the affordable price, the build quality is solid and durable. Many people have used these headphones for an extremely long time without any damage. The design is very modest and plain. Some people prefer it that way; others don’t. The headphones are foldable for added convenience and portability. We also like how lightweight they are.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
The design and build quality of these headphones is superb. They are robust and tough while remaining lightweight. The materials used are much more robust than the vast majority of headphones in this price range. Overall, you will be more than satisfied with the build.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT has the best build quality.
Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling
Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
These headphones do not have active noise canceling. However, they provide very good natural noise-isolation. Music will not leak to the outside of these headphones one put on. It’s not the best noise-isolating, but it’s not too bad. Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10 for passive noise-isolating.
Sony MDR7506
Although the Sony MDR7506 covers the entire ear, the noise-isolation abilities are not up to par with the other two. However, the oval ear-pads still provide decent noise isolation. These headphones do not provide active noise-cancelling.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones do not provide active noise-cancelling. However, they have decent passive noise-isolation. They are not the best, but they are not too bad, either. Overall, I give them a 5.5 out of 10 for noise isolation.
Overall, the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 has the best noise-isolation.
Battery Life
Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery-life becomes a convenient factor.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
These headphones do not have wireless capabilities. They must be plugged in via wire.
Sony MDR7506
These headphones do not have wireless capabilities. They must be plugged in via wire.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones provide a staggering 40-hour battery life.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is the only wireless headphone pair on this list.
Added Features
Here we summarize each pair of headphones and talk about some of the added features.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
These headphones do not have Bluetooth wireless capabilities or any added features. They’re primarily designed for superior sound quality. It comes in three different colors to match whichever style you prefer. Coming with the purchase is a compact carry case to keep them safe. Overall, these headphones are fantastic for mixing, DJs, and audiophiles who love listening to music.
Sony MDR7506
Overall, the Sony MDR7506 is one of the highest-rated and most famous pair of wired headphones for a reason. They are a fantastic option for those who need high quality and affordable pair of headphones that don’t need maximum noise-isolation. Unfortunately, they do not have Bluetooth, a built-in microphone, voice-assistant, etc.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These headphones give you the option to go wireless via Bluetooth 5.0. However, you still have the option to use them wired. To charge it for going wireless, you get a USB charging cable with the purchase. Added to that, the headphones also have a built-in mic for phone calls. You can also manually adjust the volume with the headphones, as well.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT only wireless headphone set on this list. It also has a built-in mic for phone calls.
Similarities Between The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 vs. Sony MDR7506 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
- All cover the ear
- All are very popular
- All are highly-rated and reviewed
Our Winner
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. However, our winner is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT best overall pair of headphones.
It’s the only Bluetooth wireless, almost tied with the V-MODA on sound quality, has the best build quality, and has a built-in mic for phone calls. However, if your primary goal is to find the best sounding pair of headphones with the best noise-isolation, the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is possibly a better choice.
